Golf divot tool bearing a magnetic ball marker

ABSTRACT

A golf divot repair tool that includes a holder for markers used in marking the position of golf balls on the golf course is disclosed. The golf divot repair tool comprises: a body, at least one pointed arm extending from the body, a depression in the body, a magnetic material disposed in the depression, a ball marker constructed at least partially of a material attracted by magnetism and adapted to be releasably held in the depression by the magnetic material, and an opening formed through the body at the depression. Optionally, a movable member is disposed in the opening which, when moved, moves the ball marker, when the ball marker is held in the depression, away from the magnetic material a sufficient distance to release the ball marker from the depression.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-functional device for use in the game of golf. In particular, this invention relates to a golf divot repair tool that also holds a marker used in marking the position of golf balls on the golf course.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When a golfer heads for the golf course, the golfer needs several items. First, the golfer needs a golf divot repair tool to repair the sod when it is disturbed during play. Divot repair tools are provided with pointed ends to stick down into the sod in order to lift the sod.

[0003] Second, a golfer needs a ball marker, and an accompanying holder, during the play of golf. Conventional marker holders can removably receive a ball marker, which is most often magnetically attached to a depression in the holder.

[0004] In the prior art, magnetic marker holders provide a depression to removably receive a ball marker. The marker is held in place by a magnet located at a first end of the depression. The magnet would correspond to a first end of the marker. To remove the marker, a second end of the marker is depressed, which rocks the marker off the magnet, and detaches the marker from the holder.

[0005] However, this conventional means of holding the marker does not adequately secure the marker to the holder. It is common for the marker to unintentionally detach from the holder and become lost.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a multi-functional golf device that provides a divot repair tool and an improved ball marker and ball marker holder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Also, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved divot repair tool that includes an improved holding means for a ball marker.

[0008] The present invention provides a divot repair tool and a depression provided in it to removably receive a ball marker that attaches magnetically to a depression located on one side of the tool. The tool may include a plurality of magnets circumferentially spaced about the depression, wherein the magnets hold the marker in place. Advantageously, this arrangement more securely holds the marker in place.

[0009] To remove the marker, a hole is provided in the tool located inside the depression to allow an exposed surface of the marker to be pushed, thereby releasing the marker from the holder.

[0010] A movable member may be provided inside the depression. When moved, the member pushes against a surface of the marker to move the marker sufficiently away from the magnetic material to release the marker from the depression, thereby releasing the marker from the holder.

[0011] Accordingly, one aspect of the invention resides in a golf divot repair tool comprising: a body, at least one pointed arm extending from said body, a depression in said body, a magnetic material disposed in said depression, a ball marker constructed at least partially of a material attracted by magnetism and adapted to be releasably held in said depression by said magnetic material, and an opening formed through said body at said depression.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, said opening is circular and has a diameter of from 5 to 40 mm.

[0013] In a further aspect, the invention resides in a golf divot repair tool comprising: a body, at least one pointed arm extending from said body, a depression in said body, a magnetic material disposed in said depression, a ball marker constructed at least partially of a material attracted by magnetism and adapted to be releasably held in said depression by said magnetic material, an opening formed through said body at said depression, and a movable member disposed in said opening which, when moved, moves the ball marker, when the ball marker is held in the depression, away from the magnetic material a sufficient distance to release the ball marker from the depression.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the invention, said magnetic material comprises at least two magnets circumferentially spaced about the depression.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, said magnetic material is an annular magnet centered about the depression.

[0016] Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a front view of the tool;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a front view of the marker;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tool and marker; and

[0021]FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The golf divot repair tool of this invention is shown generally in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 by the reference numeral 10. The tool 10 includes two arms 16 extending from the main body of the tool 10. The arms 16 are pointed or sharpened at their extremities for ease of insertion into sod of the golf green.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the golf divot repair tool 10 includes a depression 12, which is preferably generally circular in shape. Magnetic material is disposed in the depression 12. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic material is shown as comprising four magnets 20 circumferentially spaced about the depression 12.

[0024]FIG. 2 shows the corresponding ball marker 14. The ball marker 14 is constructed at least partially of a material attracted by magnetism. The marker 14 complementally fits depression 12, such that the marker 14 is releasably held in the depression 12 by the magnetic material.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, an opening 22 is formed through the body of the tool 10, at the depression 12. The opening 22 allows an exposed surface of the marker 14 to be pushed, by a finger for example, such that the ball marker 14 may be moved. When the ball marker 14 is held in the depression 12, it may be moved or pushed away from the magnetic material a sufficient distance to release the ball marker 14 from the depression 14. This allows easy removal of the marker 14 from the tool for use in the play of golf. After use, the marker 14 may be placed at the depression 12 to be held in place by the magnetic material once again.

[0026] The opening is preferably circular, and may have a diameter in the range of from 5 to 40 mm.

[0027] It will be readily understood by one skilled in the art that the number of magnets 20 disposed about the depression 12 is not essential, as one or more magnets 20 may be provided to hold the marker 14 on more than one end. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, wherein the magnetic material comprises one magnet 24 of annular shape, centered about the depression 12.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, a movable member may be disposed in the opening 22. When the movable member is moved or pushed while the ball marker 14 is held in the depression 12, the member moves the ball marker 14 away from the magnetic material a sufficient distance to release the ball marker 14 from the depression 12.

[0029] Accordingly, it can be seen that an improved divot repair tool 10 is provided, which includes an improved means of holding a ball marker 14 with easy removal of the ball marker 14.

[0030] It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein.

[0031] Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional, electrical or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein. 

What is claimed is: The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A golf divot repair tool comprising: a body, at least one pointed arm extending from said body, a depression in said body, a magnetic material disposed in said depression, a ball marker constructed at least partially of a material attracted by magnetism and adapted to be releasably held in said depression by said magnetic material, and an opening formed through said body at said depression.
 2. The golf divot repair tool of claim 1, wherein said opening is circular and has a diameter in the range of from 5 to 40 mm.
 3. A golf divot repair tool comprising: a body, at least one pointed arm extending from said body, a depression in said body, a magnetic material disposed in said depression, a ball marker constructed at least partially of a material attracted by magnetism and adapted to be releasably held in said depression by said magnetic material, an opening formed through said body at said depression, and a movable member disposed in said opening which, when moved, moves the ball marker, when the ball marker is held in the depression, away from the magnetic material a sufficient distance to release the ball marker from the depression.
 4. The golf divot repair tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said magnetic material comprises at least two magnets circumferentially spaced about the depression.
 5. The golf divot repair tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said magnetic material is an annular magnet centered about the depression. 